How Much Does It Cost To Build a Pool Deck
The cost of building an above-ground pool deck can range from $3,000 to $12,000. This depends on the materials used and the size of the deck. This outdoor amenity provides added convenience and aesthetics to your yard. It is also a stylish way to enjoy the hot summer days by the pool. The price of a pool deck depends on the size of the deck, the materials used, and the type of terrain you live on.
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Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pool Deck
When calculating the price of an above-ground pool deck, you should consider the following.
Above-Ground vs. In-Ground
The way a deck is built is affected by the way the pool is built. This means that decks for above-ground pools and inground pools need to be built in different ways. Wood or composite decking for above-ground pools can cost between $300 and $7,800. In-ground pool decks usually consist of decking made of different materials and can cost anywhere from $3 to $40 per square foot.
Pool Size
The size and shape of the deck depend on the size of the pool. In other words, bigger pools usually require bigger decks. However, it also depends on how much space is left after the pool is installed. In addition, building a larger deck requires more labor and materials and therefore costs more.
Larger inground pools require more pool cover, which also adds to the cost. Consult a professional or take measurements of the pool and additional space nearby to determine if the size of the pool requires a larger deck.
Size of the Deck
Your total cost will depend greatly on the size of your new deck. A 300- to 600-square-foot side deck for an above-ground pool will cost you $500 to $2,000.
While a 600- to 900-square-foot deck that wraps around an in-ground pool will cost you $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of material used to lay the deck.
| Deck Square Footage | Cost Range |
| 300–600 square feet | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 600–900 square feet | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Over 900 square feet | $7,000–$12,000 |
Labor Costs
Engineering costs will account for the majority of pool deck costs. For skilled labor, the cost of laying a deck can range from $15 to $35 per square foot. For small, easy-to-build decks, labor costs are lower than for larger decks or jobs that require paving, heavy machinery, and more expensive materials.
Material Costs
If your yard has an above-ground pool rather than an in-ground pool. And there is no need to build a hardscape, then a pool deck will be much less expensive. To build a deck for an above-ground pool, you can use wood, composite decking material, or PVC material. IPE decking costs $5 to $20 per square foot to install, and composite decking costs $4 to $12 per square foot to install.
Terrain
Ideally, your land should be flat and ready to build on, but this is not always the case. If your yard is on a slope, you may need additional support beams to keep your deck safe and stable.
As a way to keep the building stable, this may include laying a hard surface on the ground under the deck. The square footage of the area determines the cost of hardscape, which can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Installation Permits
In the same way that a permit may be required to install a swimming pool, a permit may be required to add a pool deck. Building permits can cost between $450 and $2,400. The exact price depends on the size and location of the project.
Location
If you live in a sunny, hot location, there may be more pool deck builders for you to choose from. In the warmer central region, almost every home has its backyard swimming pool. While cooler upstate areas, such as Washington and New York, may not have as many pools.
How Much Do Different Types of Pool Decks Cost?
Picking the right materials for your new pool deck will make it even more unique.
Materials for Above-Ground Pools
Most people choose to build an above-ground pool deck out of wood, composite decking material, or PVC material. Each of these primary materials has different price levels and advantages and disadvantages.
Wood: It’s no surprise that wood is the most popular decking material. Wood is strong and durable and can withstand the elements. This material is easy to work with and allows for unique designs by adding layers or built-in seating.
However, it can heat up in sunny areas. Lumber for a pool deck costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Pressure-treated lumber costs about $15 to $20 per square foot to build a deck.
Composite Material: Composite decking is perfect for above-ground pool decks. This is because it doesn’t require much maintenance and can last for decades. Composite decking manufacturers can offer you a wide range of colors and styles, and replacing them is no hassle. However, you need to plan when installing composite decking boards as it requires a support system to keep it stable.
PVC Decking: Modern pool decking is usually made of plastic because it is inexpensive, easy to install, and lasts a long time with regular maintenance. Parts for PVC decking cost between $500 and $2,000.
Materials for Inground Pools
With an inground pool, you have a wider selection of materials to choose from, but some of the more expensive materials are also more expensive. Here are some of the most popular materials for inground pool decks.
Pavers: pavers are a very popular and inexpensive option. These precast blocks are easy to cut to size and a breeze to install. At $3 to $7 per square foot, they’re not too expensive, but they don’t last as long as poured concrete and other similar products.
Poured Concrete: Poured concrete is another popular option. The average price of a concrete slab is $4 to $8 per square foot. It is easy to make changes since professionals can pour concrete almost anywhere, as long as there is a mold to hold the shape.
Imprinted Concrete: There is also imprinted concrete, which is a customized form of poured concrete. During the installation process, a professional stamps the concrete to make it look like stone, brick, or other material. Including construction, laying a stamped concrete patio costs $12 to $20 per square foot. More complex designs can drive up the cost.
Precast Concrete: Precast decking is somewhere between pavers and poured concrete. It’s more stable than pavers, but not as customizable as poured concrete. It costs between $5 and $12 per square foot to build a precast concrete deck.
Coral Stone: yes, this is a type of paver made from coral stone. This expensive material costs between $15 and $40 per square foot, but looks great and lasts a long time. The natural unevenness of these stones makes them less slippery, and the overall design stands up to the elements without requiring much maintenance.
Wood: Most pool decks are made of wood. But wood is not only suitable for above-ground decks but also for decks that support in-ground pools. This material is economical and durable, costing $3 to $15 per square foot. To prevent rotting and spalling, wood decks require regular maintenance.
Composite Decking: Composite decking boards are one of the best options for pool decks. This is because it doesn’t require much maintenance and can last for decades. However, composite decking costs anywhere from $8 to $35 per square foot, with slightly higher prices for materials and labor.
Brick Decking: If you’re thinking about brick decking, you should know that brick decking gets hot in the sun and grows moss when exposed to water. Nonetheless, its appearance is impeccable. Laying a brick deck costs $20 to $35 per square foot.
Tile: It’s a good idea to use outdoor tile as a deck material because it’s aesthetically pleasing and non-slip. However, this type of tile requires careful care to prevent cracking when the weather changes throughout the year. Tiling an outdoor area can cost between $3 and $40 per square foot.
Rubber Deck Mats: This is a very easy DIY build. Lay down non-slip mats, make the deck the size you want, and then attach them, and you’re ready to have fun. While these non-slip mats provide a soft and comfortable surface to walk on, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as many other options. Rubber deck mats cost between $9 and $20 per square foot.
Pool Deck Extras
Pool decks on the market today are more than just pool decks. There are some popular additions available for those who want to make their pool deck stand out.
Stairs: This addition makes it easier to get in and out of the pool area. Adding stairs to your deck can cost $15 to $25 per square foot, and there are many different materials to choose from.
Outdoor Lighting Fixtures: If you hang out by the pool at night, you’ll need lighting fixtures. Landscape lighting ranges from $90 to $150 per light and is easy enough for even a beginner to install.
Furniture: You can’t have a poolside paradise without good furniture, so make sure you have the right kind. A parlor furniture set with chairs and a table averages $350. Sofas and chairs can run $200 to $500 or more. Check to see if the furniture you pick can be used outdoors.
Retractable Deck Awnings: If you want to be able to use your deck and pool in any weather, a removable deck awning is the way to go. Awnings can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500, with larger and more complex designs costing more.
Cost of Pool Covers
The ledge that surrounds the edge of an inground pool is called a pool coping. The coping is usually made of stone or concrete and is laid to give the deck an attractive appearance. Pool covers also secure and hide automatic pool covers and other related items when needed. Covering a pool costs approximately $30 to $50 per square foot. However, these prices are subject to change based on the following major factors.
Size
The diameter of your pool determines how large a pool cover you will need. Find out how many feet of cover are needed to completely enclose it by measuring the diameter of the fixtures. Again, retaining walls cost $30 to $50 per square foot, which means the larger the project, the more expensive it will be.
Covering a 10 x 20-foot pool with 60 feet of cover would cost $1,800 to $3,000. For a 20 x 40-foot pool, the material price for a 120-foot cover ranges from $3,600 to $6,000.
Materials Used
Stone, poured concrete, bricks, or stepping stones can be used to create a cover. Poured concrete is the least expensive option at $4 to $8 per square foot. Traditional bricks cost between $20 and $35 per square foot and offer excellent resistance to cracking and staining. Choose the best pool decking material for your price and desired look.
How Much Does a Pool Deck Cost To Build Yourself?
Labor costs account for about 35% of the total cost of building a deck. If you do it yourself, you’ll pay 65% of what a deck builder would charge. For example, building a wood deck costs between $3,600 and $7,200. If you do it yourself, you can save 35 percent.
Remember that this calculation does not consider the cost of the tools needed to build a pool deck. Building a deck from scratch requires many high-end tools such as hand saws, circular saws, power drills, and special tools for straightening. So if you plan to build your in-ground pool deck, you’ll need to make sure the deck base is solid. You also need to know how to use heavy-duty tools as well as how to do carpentry, hardscaping, and paving.
On the other hand, hiring a local deck builder will ensure that your above-ground pool deck is built correctly and safely. These professionals can also help you choose the right size, style, and material for your pool deck. Therefore, choose the right build for your situation.
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